1 Corinthians 4 - Amplified Bible(AMP)

Servants of Christ

1So then, let us be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards (trustees, administrators) of the mysteries of God.

2In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful and trustworthy.

3But it matters very little to me that I may be judged by you or any human court; in fact, I do not even judge myself.

4I am aware of nothing against myself and I feel blameless, but I am not by this acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

5So do not go on passing judgment before the appointed time, but wait until the Lord comes, for He will both bring to light the things that are hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

6Now I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, believers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will become arrogant and boast in favor of one against the other.

7For who regards you as superior or what sets you apart as special? What do you have that you did not receive? And if in fact you received it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

8[You behave as if] you are already filled. Already you have become rich! You have ascended your thrones and become kings without us; and how I wish that you did reign as kings, so that we might reign with you.

9For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles at the end of the line, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

10We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are highly esteemed, but we are dishonored.

11To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are continually poorly dressed, and we are roughly treated, and wander homeless.

12We work, working hard with our own hands. When we are reviled and verbally abused, we bless. When we are persecuted, we take it patiently and endure.

13When we are slandered, we try to be conciliatory and answer softly. We have become like the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.

14I do not write these things to shame you, but to warn and advise you as my beloved children.

15For even if you were to have ten thousand teachers in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the good news.

16So I urge you, be imitators of me.

17For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my way of life in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

18Now some of you have become arrogant and pretentious, as though I were not coming to see you.

19But I will come to you soon, if the Lord is willing, and I will find out not just the talk of these arrogant people, but their power.

20For the kingdom of God is not based on talk but on power.

21Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a gentle spirit?